Silent Embers

By: David O’Keefe

The matron found it quaint, as she watched the

Waifs depart, how loudly the fire burned

At times. Yes, there were nights when the crackling

And hissing were as low as the spirits

Of its patrons, but more common still, the

Flames would make their presence known, and would not

Yield before they had exhausted their own

Devices. A single child returned,

And was ushered inside by the grande dame;

Locking hands, the pair ventured to the youths’

Chambers, and all was well in the house, once

Again. Returning to the outside, she

Was dispirited to see what remained,

Because those silent embers were not flames.